“She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.” -Anne Dillard

As the year comes to a close and the holiday season is now in full swing, I thought it would be fun to share with everyone some of my favorite books that I have read this year.

I think every writer is a voracious reader. To only read your own work is ridiculous and somewhat narcissistic. No matter how busy or involved I am in writing I always take time to sit down and enjoy a good book.

I have my old favorites that I always fall back on and I have to read once a year or else I feel lost. I also have some new stories that I have discovered and wanted to share them with you.

My tastes are eclectic and I feel no embarrassment that some are a bit risqué while others are downright childlike. I basically will read anything you put in front of me.

 

The Classics

 

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

This is my favorite book of all time and if you haven’t read it then I highly suggest you give it a whirl.

Two words.

Mr. Darcy.

 

2. Harry Potter volumes 1-7.

I have been a Harry Potter fan since The Sorcerer’s Stone came out those many magical years ago. I read the entire series every year before hunkering down for a movie marathon.

 

3. Anne of Green Gables.

I don’t know how to put into words how much I adore this delightful book.

 

4. Jane Eyre.

Heartbreak, mystery, and romance all wrapped up in the dark corners of Victorian society.

 

5. The Count of Monte Cristo.

This is one that cannot be missed! Action, drama, intrigue, moral dilemmas… I read this is the 9th grade and to this day I still try and read it every couple of years.

 

6. Angels & Demons and The DaVinci Code.

These two books are in my opinion almost flawless and if you haven’t read them then I’m not sure what rock you have been living under.

 

For all ages…

 

1. Percy Jackson.

My twin boys have been mesmerized with Greek mythology since they were five years old. When this series came out, I think they thought they died and went to book reading heaven.

Anything by Rick Riordan is a winner in this house!

 

2. Paladin Prophecy.

Percy Jackson meets Dan Brown conspiracy theory.

 

3. Whatever After Series.

My daughter is in love with these books. It’s a genius concept of two siblings who are transported into a magic mirror and meet the real live Disney Princesses. If you have a daughter age four and up, these books are perfect.

 

4. Vampire Academy.

This series is geared more towards young adults but I absolutely love them. Rose Hathaway is one of my favorite female characters.

 

5. The Eyes of the Dragon.

I’ll get some flack for this pick but it is probably my favorite Stephen King book.

 

6. Hunger Games & Catching Fire.

Interesting, gripping and an amazing read.

Why did I leave out Mockingjay?

Sorry, it wasn’t my favorite.

 

7. The Twilight Saga.

Ok, I know some of you more evolved book snobs are going to snort but at the end of the day these books were a worldwide phenomenon that touched millions of readers of all ages.

Why?

Because it was a story about the power of a first love, plain and simple.

 

8. Harlow Whittaker & The Soothsayers.

I know what you’re all thinking and yes, not only is Valerie Day-Sanchez someone who I collaborate with, but she is also a friend.

Her series though is fantastic and I encourage everyone to download a copy today!

 

Oh my…

Adults only!

 

1. Bared to you.

The first book of The Crossfire series is sexy with a capitol S.

 

2.Fifty Shades Series.

I have to admit that I have some problems with all three books but if you want to read erotica this has become the top pick.

 

3. Crashed.

I devoured this series by K. Bromberg in one weekend.

 

4. On Dublin Street.

I really enjoyed this more tame story which had erotic overtones. I loved the character development.

 

5.Gabriel’s Inferno & Gabriel’s Rupture.

I couldn’t put these down for some reason.

 

6. Release Me.

Hot and sexy…say no more!

 

7. The Blackstone Affair.

Slightly shorter novels with great depth and very graphic scenes.

 

Paranormal Romance

 

My favorite category (obviously).

 

1. The Fever Series.

Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series brought me back from the book doldrums and inspired me to write my book after dreaming about it for years.

Absolute perfection. I love her and I fully admit to being slightly obsessed 😉

 

2. A Hidden Fire.

If you haven’t read this series by Elizabeth Hunter you do not know what you’re missing!

 

3. Prince of Wolves.

Quinn Loftis is one of my favorite authors. Her style is geared more toward Y/A but any book by her is a guaranteed worthwhile experience.

 

4. Love is Darkness. A Valerie Dearborn Novel.

I really enjoyed books 1-3. Book 4 was a little slow but in the end it was extremely enjoyable.

 

5. Twist. Mageri Series.

Different and interesting twist on the whole paranormal genre.

 

6. Fury of Fire. The Dragonfury Series.

If your sick of reading about hot vampires, read these books!

 

7. Zoey Rogue.

A very promising start of a new series, it is also extremely sexy and fun.

 

8. The Skye Trilogy and The Cursed Charm.

Oh, was I not supposed to list my own?

My bad.

 

I have to say that I had a lot of fun writing this article. I had a tough time choosing what books to share and I fully intend to update this list twice a year because I already have several more that have come rushing through my mind!